Prevascularized contructs for implantation to provide blood perfusion

Abstract

This application discloses methods and materials for preparing functional microvascular beds in the laboratory. These prevascularized constructs can be used to vascularize engineered tissue constructs or to revascularize damaged or diseased tissues or organs following implantation. The prevascularized constructs may also deliver genetically engineered gene products to the bloodstream.

1. A method for vascularizing an engineered tissue in a subject, comprising:
 a. combining at least one prevascularized construct with said engineered tissue, wherein said construct contains freshly isolated autologous microvessel fragments in a biocompatible three-dimensional culture matrix; and 
 b. implanting said engineered tissue, thereby vascularizing said engineered tissue in vivo. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said combining comprises attaching at least one prevascularized construct to said engineered tissue. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein said attaching comprises suturing, stapling, gluing, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one prevasctilarized construct comprises at least one microvessel fragment obtained from a vascular tissue. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein said vascular tissue is skin, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, atrial appendage of the heart, lung, mesentery, or adipose tissue. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said engineered tissue is selected from the group consisting of heart tissue, lung tissue, cardiac muscle tissue, striated muscle tissue, liver tissue, pancreatic tissue, cartilage, bone, pericardium, peritoneum, kidney, smooth muscle, skin, mucosal tissue, small intestine, and large intestine. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 4 , wherein said at least one microvessel fragment is obtained from a human.